Don’t get stuck on the road unprepared – here are some last-minute holiday travel tips to use now & in the future!
Impressive numbers!
Did you know that close to 82 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home over Thanksgiving? Per AAA, “This year’s domestic travel forecast includes an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record.” By car, at least 73 million people will be heading to a destination for Thanksgiving. Additionally, the number of car travelers has the potential to increase related to leftover effects of the government’s last shutdown. This means that at least 90 percent of Thanksgiving travelers are going by car, with an additional 1.3 million people projected to be on the road this year as compared to last. Though it’s exciting that people will likely be with friends and family for the holiday, having to deal with traffic, congestion, and the potential for increased accidents is not great news for travelers. Here are some last-minute tips to make your road trip safer and more entertaining.
- Ahead of departure, inspect your vehicle for road safety. For instance, check your car tires using a tire pressure gauge to make sure that they are properly inflated. As you do this, always inspect tires, examining tread depth using a tread wear indicator that checks for worn tires. Also look for out of the ordinary things such as tire bulges or cuts that make driving unsafe. Replace windshield wipers as needed. Keep fluids topped off, batteries are charged, and brakes in good working order to maximize safety. Clean dirty headlights and windows and fill your car with gas ahead of the trip. This last tip can help you avoid waiting in long lines, having to pay higher than normal prices at the pump, or the possibility of running out of gas. Be sure that your electronic toll reader is active and secure in the vehicle. Make sure car seats and boosters are correctly installed for safety of young passengers.
- Be sure that you have proper documentation with you, like your up-to-date automobile registration, driver’s license, and proof of insurance. Be sure your insurance is current with decent coverage. Note that it’s a good idea to periodically talk to your trusted insurance agent about topics like liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage. You’ll want to get the maximum coverage for your needs at the best possible price. If you’re really looking for peace of mind before heading out on the busy highway, consider roadside assistance for the ultimate protection. Roadside assistance helps with common problems like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery and towing and is generally well worth the money. To learn more about AMAC’s roadside assistance program, click here.
- Take driving seriously. Instruct all passengers to wear seatbelts. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and avoid rushing that can lead to accidents. Concentrate on the highway, pay attention to speed, drive defensively by being prepared for the unexpected, maintain safe distance between you and other vehicles, and avoid distracted driving. This means keeping eyes on the road and avoiding texting while driving. If you must text, pull over to a safe area. If using GPS, program your travel destination and examine travel route options ahead of your trip. Pay attention to road closures or construction that may delay your trip. Practice the five Cs of safe driving, care, caution, consideration, common sense, and courtesy.
- Be wise & flexible. Consider avoiding being on the road during high peak driving hours. Driving long distance? Break up the trip into comfortable segments to avoid driver fatigue. If you desire company, plan to travel with other people rather than go solo. If you are light-sensitive, bring sunglasses or avoid driving at dawn, dusk or night when headlights might be disturbing. Also keep an eye on the forecast. Should inclement weather be expected, plan to stay overnight at your destination or book a hotel room ahead. Never drink and drive. If you do drink, do not get behind the wheel. Rather, assign a designated driver, use Uber or another mode of transportation, or stay put.
- Expect delays and traffic emergencies. Traffic is a normal part of highway driving, particularly during peak travel seasons. Bring snacks and beverages such as fruit snacks, granola bars, juice and water. Pass the time and stay chipper by playing car games. Examples include counting out of state license plates or playing I Spy or rhyming words. Another option is to play favorite music to get everyone involved in the fun. For comfort and safety, take frequent coffee breaks, stretch legs, and use the restroom. These mini breaks are vital when traveling with young children, the elderly, or pets, or when driving solo and feeling fatigued. Here are more useful tips: The night before a road trip, drivers should strive to get adequate sleep (7 to nine hours). To avoid sleepiness, start your trip bright and early when you are most alert and your energy is up. Solo drivers should consider breaking up long trips by planning overnight accommodation. If you must drive home late, pay attention to how you feel, and switch drivers as needed. Should extreme fatigue set in while driving solo, do not rely on coffee or podcasts alone to keep you awake. Rather, pull over somewhere safe for a power nap if necessary.
- Be prepared for emergencies to deliver tremendous peace of mind. Let someone know where you are traveling, with whom you are going, what time you are leaving, what route you plan to take, and what time you expect to arrive. This information is especially important for drivers who are traveling on rural roads outside of cellphone range. Stay organized and prepared to handle unexpected issues. Drivers can benefit from having an emergency kit on hand with items such as a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, flares, cutting tools, blankets and extra clothing. Note that chains or other tools may be required when traveling in extreme wintry weather. Drivers are encouraged to dress in layers for comfort. A hat and gloves are also recommended, handy for having to stop and pump gas in frigid temperatures. Staying organized is not limited to the vehicle. Folks on prescription medications should pack extra to cover potential travel delays. When traveling with babies, it’s advisable to bring extra diapers and baby formula to avoid running out.
The best time to be on the road
Per AAA, the busiest travel season of the year is closing in, with a projected estimate of 81.8 million Americans on the move from November 25 to December 1, with more people domestically traveling this year than the same time last year. Though this big figure includes other modes of traffic besides driving, such as going by air, drivers should expect very busy roadways for Thanksgiving. Per USA Today, “When driving to your holiday destination, INRIX recommends traveling before noon on Tuesday and before 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Thanksgiving Day will have the least traffic.” They also state that after Thanksgiving, the best driving times are before 11 a.m. on Friday, before 10 a.m. on Saturday, or before 11 a.m. on Sunday. On Monday, the least traffic is expected to be after 8 p.m. Planning around these peak hours, and following the other above recommendations, can ease the ride home and help keep your Thanksgiving journey happier and safer. Happy Thanksgiving!
Disclosure: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
